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Monsanto Acetic Acid Process Giana Storck, Chemistry, Elmhurst College. In this molecular orbital diagram the CO is donating electrons to the Rh. 16 e-. Some History Acetic acid is an industrially important chemical
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Monsanto Acetic Acid Process Giana Storck, Chemistry, Elmhurst College In this molecular orbital diagram the CO is donating electrons to the Rh. 16 e- Some History • Acetic acid is an industrially important chemical • During the 19th century, ethanol fermentation was used to make the chemical • Then came an acetaldehyde route to acetic acid (using mercury as a catalyst) • Methanol became an attractive raw material due to its relatively low price • In 1970, Monsanto used this process Oxidative Addition CH3I CH3I CH3COI H2O 18 e- HI CH3OH CH3CO2H CO insertion = alkyl migration • Reaction Conditions • 10-3 M Rh • 180˚ C • 30-40 atm • >99% selectivity on methanol • No hydrogen affect 16 e- The rhodium used for this reaction is used in a circular fashion, it can be reused. Coordination of CO H2O Reductive elimination 16 e- 18 e-